Venomous black widow spiders are invading Britain – and they’re far MORE dangerous than their false widow cousins. Black widows are identified by the colored, hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomens. This spider’s bite is much feared because its venom is reported to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s. In humans, bites produce muscle aches, nausea, and a paralysis of the diaphragm that can make breathing difficult. Now these venomous spiders, capable of killing humans, are arriving from the US by boat and have been spotted several times on the shores.

Ecologist Graeme Skinner reportedly told the Daily Star: ”

“They managed to survive on shipments from the States. On two occasions it was just a single one but on another we had six Black Widows come in together”

The black widow spiders are infamous for eating their unfortunate male partner, explaining how the spiders came to be named black widows. But its good to see that authorities are alert and are taking further steps to avoid unfortunate bites.